Fun, intrigue and detective work for youngsters is on the menu at the International Agatha Christie Festival taking place at Torre Abbey Historic House between Sunday 14 September and Saturday 20 September.

Torbay’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr David Thomas, said: “Torbay’s budding young sleuths will love the exciting, free hub events at Torre Abbey and other fringe events around the Bay.

“The week of activities planned, which include all the wonderful activities set out for children, promises to make this already successful event one to remember in the beautiful setting of Torre Abbey.

“The house and gardens been restored to a high standard over the last years and this event provides a great opportunity to showcase this.”

Children’s activities planned for the week are as follows:

All Things Vintage and Lovely Fair, Torre Abbey
Sunday, 14 September 11am – 4.30pm
A vintage day out at the fair, perfect for families! The week long Agatha Christie Festival celebrations kick off with a vintage wonderland within the beautiful setting of Torre Abbey. There’ll be over 30 stalls selling vintage and vintage inspired items plus entertainment including swing dancers, live music and vintage cars. For the younger audience there will be a Punch & Judy show and balloon making workshops, as well as the Agatha Christie Mouse trail. Tickets also give admission to the famous Tom Adams Book Cover exhibition, the unique Agatha Christie Book Bench and all the exhibits inside Torre Abbey and the gardens. Under 14s free, adults £5.
agathachristiefestival.com

The Children's Detective Trail, Torre Abbey
Sunday 14 – Saturday 20 September
Children will adore our Mouse Detective Trail. Follow the trail of sweet teasel mice placed around the Abbey next to objects and art within the building and find out what happened to the missing handkerchief stolen from the hand of Othello (a beautiful sculpture by Calvi in the Abbey). FREE FOR CHILDREN - must be booked in advance, under 16s to be accompanied by an adult who will be required to pay £5 Festival entrance fee at Torre Abbey.
The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE
agathachristiefestival.com

The Agatha Christie Sea & River Voyage to Greenway
14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 September
Bring the whole family for a day-cruise on the 1940s heritage ship, Fairmile and enjoy the beautiful South Devon coastline and River Dart, finally landing at Greenway House and Gardens. This was Agatha Christie’s beloved holiday home (now National Trust). Day cruises available throughout the week, starting from both Torquay and Brixham. Adults £15.00 – Children £11– Concessions £14
01803 882811 helen@greenwayferry.co.uk greenwayferry.co.uk

The AC Vintage Bus Tour to Greenway House & Gardens
Wednesday 17 – Sunday 21st September
Great fun for kids! Experience a jiggle jerk exploration of the Agatha Christie Mile and beyond, aboard an authentic 1940s vintage bus to Greenway House and Gardens with a live commentary from the driver.
Adults £12.00 Child £8.00 Concessions £11.00 return from Torquay & Paignton Adults £8.00 Child £6.00 Concessions £7.00 return from Brixham & Churston Farm Shop. Tickets do not include Entrance to Greenway House and Gardens.
01803 882811 helen@greenwayferry.co.uk greenwayferry.co.uk

Greenway Outdoor Film Showing "Evil Under the Sun"
Tuesday 16 September 8 – 10pm
This is a chance for a very special and memorable family picnic. You are invited to a special film screening in the walled garden at Greenway to see an evening viewing of ‘Evil Under the Sun’ starring Peter Ustinov. Tickets £8, booking essential. Barbeque and snacks will be available.
Greenway Road, Galmpton, Nr Brixham TQ5 0ES
01803-842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

The Children's Theatre Workshop, Torre Abbey
Friday 19 September 4pm – 5.30pm
Do you have what it takes to be a dynamic detective? Of course you do and with our help we can show you how! Join Detective Sam Shovel and the Superstar Detective Agency and learn the ropes of crime solving. Find out how to read a crime scene and the best way to remember all the clues! You can try out your interrogation skills on a suspect but can you can spot a truthful statement and detect a lie? You can then earn your stripes by going on a physical story to solve a mysterious crime! Can you catch the jewel thief in time?’ Suitable for 5 -11 years. FREE FOR CHILDREN - must be booked in advance, under 16s to be accompanied by an adult who will be required to pay £5 Festival entrance fee at Torre Abbey.
The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE
Book online via agathachristiefestival.com or call Torre Abbey 01803 293593

The Young Writers Squad with Babs Horton
Saturday 20 September 11am – 1pm
Are you a young writer aged 9-15 with an interest in detective stories? Come along and learn how to write your own murder mystery with acclaimed novelist and tutor Babs Horton. From creating characters to building a sense of suspense, learn how to craft a brilliant story. FREE FOR CHILDREN - must be booked in advance, under-16s to be accompanied by an adult who will be required to pay £5 Festival entrance fee at Torre Abbey.
The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE
Book online via agathachristiefestival.com or call Torre Abbey 01803 293593

All Festival events are listed at www.agathachristiefestival.com

For more information on what to do and where to stay on the English Riviera visit www.englishriviera.co.uk

Ends

Information for Editors:

Photos available on request or select from Dropbox:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xi5y4ig775tknr4/AADuBfEmsJ6MSSBWnZLM6U96a

• The Agatha Christie Festival has secured Arts Council England funding for the next two years to support its transformation into a major international literary festival and independent charity.

For press information please contact:
Anita Newcombe
Anita Newcombe Media & PR
PR Co-ordinator for the English Riviera Tourism Company
anita.newcombe@gmail.com
07718-884482
01803-850886